Rehab efforts earn stockman seniors' gong

Alice Springs stockman Barry Abbott has been named the Northern Territory's Senior Australian of the Year for his work rehabilitating at-risk boys.

Mr Abbott set up a treatment outstation in the 1970s and has looked after more than 300 boys, teaching them to break in horses, build fences and handle livestock.

He says all young people are good even if they get into trouble.

"I look after kids that are in strife ... drugs, alcohol, whatever ... a lot of the kids are good, they just get into strife when they're in town with their mates and with their families all drunk I suppose but I don't blame anybody," he said.